Paramedics with bright futures must not be kept in the dark

I REFER to “Group waiting on Health Ministry for discussion” (The Star, Dec 28). Assistant Medical Officers (AMOs) evolved from names such as Dressers, Hospital Assistants (HAs) and Medical Assistants (MAs).

With a Diploma Pembantu Perubatan from the Health Ministry, they assist Medical Officers in their daily activities. In specialised departments and units or areas, post basic trained AMOs are fitted in.

On the other hand, a Paramedic graduates with a Degree, Diploma or Certificate in Paramedic Science as clearly defined in their roles and responsibilities in countries such as the UK, US, Canada, Germany and Australia (reference included from Wikipedia).

I believe there are none with such a qualification within the Malaysian Civil Service. However, it won’t be long, as I have come across an advertisement by a local medical college on such a course.

If the authorities are serious about having Paramedics being a part of our healthcare delivery system, I suggest they look into the UK paramedic modules of training to start with.

The Health Ministry can start discussions with the Public Services Department (PSD) on a paramedic service scheme here with grades starting from U29 at diploma level right up U54 as Chief Paramedic of Malaysia.

Service options can be extended to existing AMOs and nurses who have served at least 10 years in an emergency setting as well as having undergone a course in Post Basic Emergency and Pre Hospital Care.

At the same time, Paramedic Sciences training centres can be set up for diploma and degree level studies.

Paramedics can then be seconded to Police and Fire Stations and Civil Defence Corp 911 Rescue centres on a 24-hour basis to be supervised by an area paramedic superintendent or district or division head.

Subsequently, an association and union of Paramedics Malaysia and a Board of Paramedics Malaysia can be set up to link with paramedics of other nations towards professional development worldwide, just as for nurses, physiotherapists etc.

I suggest the various stakeholders develop academic link with institutions of higher learning locally for AMO diploma holders to pursue a degree course. Currently many are lost as to where to move forward.

And many have studied for a degree not at all related, such as nursing, forensic science, nutrition, social science, management and have left the profession when not being able to move beyond U41 grade.

COPY FROM THE STAR